Syrian army kills 60 IS militants in Deir al-Zour

DAMASCUS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army carried out offensive against a town held by the Islamic State (IS) group in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour on Tuesday, killing 60 of them, state news agency SANA reported.

The military units attacked IS positions in the town of Jnaineh, two kilometers west of Deir al-Zour, said SANA.

It added that the military units also foiled an attack by the IS on government-controlled parts in that oil-rich province, killing dozens of them, including the commander who was leading the attack.

The IS controls much of the countryside of Deir al-Zour province, except the city, which is still under the government control, but besieged by the IS.

Russian aircrafts frequently carry out airdrops of aid and food to the besieged people in that city.

Deir al-Zour holds a strategic importance to the IS, due to its proximity to the IS-controlled areas in neighboring Iraq.